Apparatus for applying patches to envelope blanks

ABSTRACT

A continuous strip or web of patch material is unwound from a reel by means of a pair of pull rolls. The patch material is conveyed to adhesive applying apparatus where adhesive is applied to preselected portions of one surface of the web. The web of patch material having the adhesive applied to selective portions of one surface is engaged by a vacuum roll by suction. The vacuum roll has patch severing apparatus that cuts preselected lengths of the web to form window patches having adhesive applied to selected portions of one surface. Envelope blanks are conveyed through a panel cutter mechanism where one or more windows are formed in the envelope blank at desired locations. The envelope blanks are conveyed with the inner surface facing outwardly by means of a plurality of transfer rolls. One of the transfer rolls is in abutting relation with the vacuum roll and the envelope blank is transferred to the vacuum roll from the transfer roll and is engaged to the transfer roll with one of the windows in the envelope blank in overlying relation with a patch on the vacuum roll. The vacuum roll and adjacent transfer roll exert a compressive force on the envelope blank and patch to adhesively secure the patch to the envelope blank. The envelope blank with one window patch secured thereto is thereafter conveyed by means of the vacuum roll to another transfer roll and where desired, to other patch applicator apparatus where adhesive is applied to the surface of the envelope blank around the periphery of the window. A patch severed from a second web is positioned in overlying relation therewith and adhesively secured to the envelope blank to thus provide an envelope blank with a plurality of window patches secured thereto.

United States Patent [191 Helm et al.

[ 1 July 17,1973

[ APPARATUS FOR APPLYING PATCHES T0 ENVELOPE BLANKS [75] Inventors: Herbert W. Helm, Hollidaysburg,

Pa.; John Gail OKeefe, Dallas, Tex.

[73] Assignee: F. L. Smith Machine Company, lne,

Duncansville, Pa.

[22] Filed: Aug. 26, 1971 [21] Appl. No.: 175,142

[52] U.S. Cl 93/61 A, 156/514, 156/521 [51] Int. Cl. B31b 1/24, 1331b 1/82 [58] Field of Search 93/61 A, 35 MW, 61 R; 156/521, 514

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,572,222 3/1971 Saverman 93/61 A 3,565,730 2/1971 Weisshuhn 93/61 A 3,416,414 12/1968 Smithe 93/61 A 3,429,237 2/1969 Subklew 93/61 A 2,953,071 9/1960 Heywood 93/61 A Primary Examiner-Andrew R. .Iuhasz Assistant Examiner.lames F. Coan Att0rney--Stanley J. Price, Jr.

[57] ABSTRACT A continuous strip or web of patch material is unwound from a reel by means of a pair of pull rolls. The patch material is conveyed to adhesive applying apparatus where adhesive is applied to preselected portions of one surface of the web. The web of patch material having the adhesive applied to selective portions of one surface is engaged by a vacuum roll by suction. The vacuum roll has patch severing apparatus that cuts preselected lengths of the web to form window patches having adhesive applied to selected portions of one surface. Envelope blanks are conveyed through a panel cutter mechanism where one or more windows are formed in the envelope blank at desired locations. The envelope blanks are conveyed with the inner surface facing outwardly by means of a. plurality of transfer rolls. One of the transfer rolls is in abutting relation with the vacuum roll and the envelope blank is transferred to the vacuum roll from the transfer roll and is engaged to the transfer roll with one of the windows in the envelope blank in overlying relation with a patch on the vacuum roll. The vacuum roll and adjacent transfer roll exert a compressive force on the envelope blank and patch to adhesively secure the patch to the envelope blank. The envelope blank with one window patch secured thereto is thereafter conveyed by means of the vacuum roll to another transfer roll and where desired, to other patch applicator apparatus where adhesive is applied to the surface of the envelope blank around the periphery of the window. A patch severed from a second web is positioned in overlying relation therewith and adhesively secured to the envelope blank to thus provide an envelope blank with a plurality of window patches secured thereto.

6 Claims, 1 Drawing Figure APPARATUS FOR APPLYING PATCHES TO ENVELOPE BLANKS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates generally to apparatus for applying window patches to envelope blanks and more particularly to apparatus for positioning an envelope.

blank having a cut out window portion in overlying relation with a patch on a vacuum roll and adhesively securing the patch to the envelope blank.

2. Description of the Prior Art The severing of patch material from a web and positioning the patch material in overlying relation with the window portion of an envelope blank is known and is illustrated in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,421,830; 2,986,976; 2,996,962; and 2,209,348. Apparatus for applying a plurality of patches to envelope blanks is also known as is illustrated in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,408,908; 3,400,641; and 3,412,655. In all of the foregoing patents, however, the gum or adhesive is applied to the envelope blank at locations adjacent the cut out window portion. This apparatus requires the envelope blank to either have all of the window patch securing adhesive applied during a single adhesive applying operation or requires the adhesive to be applied sequentially to portions of the envelope blank so that the envelope blank may have patches applied sequentially thereto. Either arrangement where the adhesive is applied to the envelope blank provides a relatively fixed design or arrangement for applying a plurality of patches to the envelope blank. With present high speed envelope making machines frequent changes in the types and sizes of envelopes are made, including changing from single windows to a plurality of windows in the envelope blank.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,431,830 discloses apparatus for applying adhesive to a web and severing patches with adhesive thereon on a vacuum roll. The patch with the adhesive thereon is applied from the vacuum roll to an apertured window of an envelope blank carried by an adjacent roller. The envelope blank with the patch applied thereto remains on the adjacent roller and is thereafter transferred from the adjacent roller to another element of the envelope machine. Thus, in the past the patch has been transferred from a roller or cylinder onto an envelope blank that is positioned on a planar surface or is engaged to an adjacent roller. In both of these arrangements the patch is transferred to the blank on an adjacent surface and the application or securing of the patch is solely dependent on an application of pressure of one of the surfaces against the other with the envelope blank and patch therebetween. With the known arrangements for applying patches to envelope blanks the speed of the apparatus is limited to obtain proper adhesion. Also, the various components of the patch applying apparatus require careful and precise adjustment. The amount of glue applied to the blank or patch and the condition of the glue is also critical for proper adhesion of the patch.

There is a need for patch severing and applying apparatus that eliminates the above discussed limitations and positively secures the patch to the envelope blank with a minimum of distortion even at high speed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The hereafter described invention relates to apparatus for applying adhesive to selected portions of a web of window patch material and severing window patches therefrom while the severed window patch with adhesive applied thereto is secured to a vacuum roll. Envelope blanks are fed to the vacuum. cylinder and moved into overlying relation with the severed window patch engaged on the vacuum cylinder. The envelope blank is engaged to the vacuum cylinder while the window patch is adhesively secured thereto. The vacuum cylinder thereafter transfers the envelope blank with the window patch secured thereto to other transfer rolls where adhesive may be applied to the envelope blank at locations around the cut out window and other patches applied thereto in a conventional manner. With this arrangement, the adhesive is first applied to the web of patch material and thereafter the patches with the adhesive applied thereto are severed from the web of patch material. The patch is engaged to avacuum roll and an envelope blank is positioned in overlying relation with the severed patch and is engaged in this position onto the vacuum roll in a manner that the envelope blank is wrapped over the patch on the vacuum roll to thereby positively secure the patch to the envelope blank. The apparatus for applying the patch to the envelope blank may be quickly and easily connected to the envelope machine by threading the web of patch material between the pull rolls and around the vacuum cylinder. To disengage the patch applying apparatus the web is disengaged from the pull rolls without changing the adhesive supply to the envelope machine. The apparatus further includes means to permit patch removal from the vacuum roll when the patch is not secured to an envelope blank.

Accordingly, the principal object of this invention is to provide a patch severing and applying apparatus in which the patch material is adhesively applied to the envelope blank with minimum distortion of either the window patch or the envelope blank.

Another object of this invention is to provide patch severing and applying apparatus that may be quickly and easily engaged to and disengaged from the envelope machine.

Another object of this invention is to provide a patch severing and applying apparatus in which the envelope blank is positioned in overlying relation ona patch and engaged to the surface of the element on which the patch is positioned and engaged.

These and other objects and advantages of this invention will be more completely disclosed and described in the following specification, the accompanying drawing and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING The FIGURE is a schematic view of a portion of an envelope making machine, illustrating schematically the apparatus for forming one or more windows in an envelope blank and apparatus for applying one or more patches to the envelope blank.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS This invention may be employed with apparatus similar to that illustrated in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,400,641; 3,408,908; 3,4l6,4l4; 3,43l,830; 2,209,348; and 2,996,962. Detailed description of the patch severing apparatus and the manner in which the apparatus is mounted in the frame of an envelope machine is shown and described in the prior art and will not be repeated herein. The present invention will be described as it relates to apparatus disclosed in the above enumerated patents and these patents are incorporated herein by reference.

Referring to the drawing, there is schematically illustrated an envelope making machine generally designated by the numeral that has a panel cutter mechanism 12. A panel cutter roll or cylinder 14 is mounted on a shaft 16 in the panel cutter mechanism 12 and rotates in abutting relation with a back up anvil 18. Suitable dies or knives 20 and 22 are secured to the periphery of the roll 14 and are arranged to form window portions in an envelope blank that is conveyed between the roll 14 and anvil 18 from adjacent feed roll 23. The envelope blank is engaged by suction devices 24 on the panel cutter roll 14 and transferred to other transfer rolls 26 and 28. The blank is engaged to the transfer roll 28 by suction or other suitable means with the normally outer surface of the blank forming the outer exposed surface of the envelope blank. The envelope blanks are thus fed to the patch severing and applying apparatus generally designated by the numeral 30. A roll of window patch material 32 is rotatably mounted on a shaft 34 and has the web end portion 36 engaged by a pair of pull rolls 38 and 40. The pull rolls 38 and 40 unwind the web 36 from the roll 32 and feed the web to an adhesive applicator generally designated by the numeral 42.

The adhesive applicator includes a roll 44 positioned adjacent to the reservoir or gum box 46. A supply of adhesive is provided from container 48 mounted on the gum box 46. The adhesive is transferred from roll 44 to an applicator roll 50 that has a pair of back up rolls 52 and 54 positioned adjacent thereto. The web 36 is fed by the pull rolls 38 and 40 around an idler roll 56 and between the applicator 50 and back up rolls 52 and 54 where adhesive is applied to selected portions of the web of patch material. A vacuum roll 58 is mounted on a shaft 60 that is suitably supported in the envelope machine frame 62. The vacuum roll 58 has a series of rows of suction ports 64 that open onto the roll periphery 66. The rows of suction ports 64 are connected to longitudinally extending vacuum passageways 68 that are connected through suitable valve means to a vacuum pump or similar device to provide a reduced or negative pressure at the suction ports 64 when the suction ports are in a preselected angular position relative to the other components of the envelope machine.

The vacuum roll 58 has a longitudinally slotted portion 70 in which there is suitably mounted a knife blade 72 that forms a portion of the window patch severing mechanism. Positioned adjacent the vacuum roll 58 is a roll 74 with a knife blade 76 mounted thereon. The

roll 74 is arranged to rotate at a preselected ratio with the vacuum cylinder 58 to sever successive selected lengths of patch material from the web 36. With this arrangement the knife blades 72 and 76 are arranged to sever a window patch of a preselected length from the web of patch material.

The web of patch material 36 is engaged by the suction ports 64 to the surface of the vacuum roll 58 and the window patch P is severed therefrom. The free window patch with the adhesive secured to the outer surface remains engaged to the vacuum roll 58 by suction through ports 64. The envelope blank B is engaged to the transfer roll 28 and upon rotation of transfer roll 28 at substantially the same peripheral velocity as the roll 58 is moved into overlying relation with the patch P on vacuum roll 58. The rotation of the respective rolls is such that the envelope blank B is positioned in overlying relation with the patch P when the patch P underlies the cut out window in the envelope blank B. As the blank moves into overlying relation with the vacuum roll 58 it is engaged thereto by vacuum in ports 64. The rolls 28 and 58 are in abutting relation with each other so that continued rotation of vacuum roll 58 adhesively engages the window patch P to the envelope blank B. Further, the vacuum in ports 64 urge the blank against the patch material to further secure the window patch P to the envelope blank B. The securing of the patch P to the blank B in this manner minimizes the distortion between the patch and blank and permits the envelope machine to operate at high speeds.

The blank B with the window patch P adhesively secured thereto is transferred from suction roll 58 to an adjacent roll 78 with the patch P on the outer exposed surface of the blank B. The blank B is thereafter transferred to a second patch applying apparatus generally designated by the numeral 80. The second patch applying apparatus includes a segmented applicator roll 82 in operative relation with a feed roll 84. A reservoir or gum box 86 has an adhesive container 88 connected thereto to supply adhesive through the reservoir 86 through roll 84 to applicator roll 82. With this arrangement the blank B is transferred by means of roll 78 to a back up roll 90 where adhesive is applied to the envelope blank B by the applicator segment 82.

A second roll of patch material 92 is rotatably mounted on a shaft 94 and is supplied by means of rolls 96, 98 and 100 to a second vacuum roll 102 that is similar to the vacuum roll 58 and has vacuum ports 104. Patch severing knives 106 and 108 are arranged to sever patches of a pre-selected length from web 110 and the vacuum roll 102 engages the patches P-2 thereto by means of suction through suction ports 104. The blank with the adhesive applied thereto by means of applicator roll 82 is transferred by vacuum bar 83 to cylinder 112 and secured thereto by suitable means. The rolls 102 and 112 abut each other and the patch P-2 is arranged to move into overlying position with the second window portion of the blank B that has adhesive applied thereto around the periphery of the cut out window portion. The patch P-2 is adhesively engaged to the blank by the pressure exerted between rolls 102 and 112. The blanks B are thereafter processed in the envelope machine to form envelopes having a plurality of windows therein with window patch material adhesively secured to the envelope blanks in overlying relation with the cut out window portion of the blank B.

Positioned beneath the vacuum roll 58 is a second vacuum roll "4 that has a plurality of vacuum ports 116 therein. Patch material not applied to envelope blanks is engaged by the vacuum ports 116 and trans ferred to suction roll 114. A patch dislodging device 118 is arranged to remove the patch from the vacuum roll 114 and deposit the patch in a receiver 120. A reverse angle scraper 122 is schematically illustrated and is arranged to remove glue from the surface of vacuum roll 114. It is preferred that the rolls 28, 58 and 114 have a coating of self lubricating polymeric material similar to Teflon or the like.

With the foregoing described patch applying apparatus 30 and 80 it is now possible to apply a plurality of patches sequentially to an envelope blank where desired. The patch severing and applying apparatus 30 may be taken out of service or disconnected by severing the web 36 from the pull rolls 38 and 40 and from the vacuum cylinder 58. It should be noted with the previously described apparatus, whether used as a single patcher or as a second patcher, provides a positive application of the patch to the envelope blank even at high speeds. The described apparatus is not solely dependent on the pressure exerted on the patch and envelope blank by the rolls 28 and 58 to adhesively secure the patch to the envelope blank. The envelope blank is wrapped over the patch and secured to the roll 58 by the negative pressure through suction ports 64. This feature provides additional application pressure between the patch and the envelope blank and further minimizes distortion of the patch even at high operating speeds. It will be apparent, the additional application pressure provides greater tolerances in adjustment of the components and the amount and condition of the glue applied to the patch.

It will be appreciated with the foregoing arrangement that it is now possible to quickly add an additional patch severing and applying apparatus to an envelope machine without making the substantial modifications required by the patch severing and applying devices known in the prior art.

According to the provisions of the patent statutes, we have explained the principle, preferred construction and mode of operation of ourinvention and have illustrated and described what we now consider to represent its best embodiment. However, it should be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically illustrated and described.

We claim:

1. Apparatus for applying patches to envelope blanks comprising,

means to apply adhesive to selected portions of one surface of a web of patch material,

a vacuum roll having a plurality of vacuum ports in the peripheral surface thereof arranged to engage the web of patch material with adhesive on one surface thereof,

means to sever successive window patches of a preselected length from said web while said web is engaged to the surface of said vacuum roll,

means to position envelope blanks with cut out window portions in overlying relation with a severed window patch while said window patch is engaged to the surface of said vacuum roll, and

means to engage said envelope blank to said vacuum roll and adhesively secure said window patch thereto while said envelope blank is engaged to the surface of said vacuum roll.

2. Apparatus for applying patches to envelope blanks as set forth in claim 1 in which said means to sever window patches includes,

a patch severing knife on said vacuum roll and a rotating knife positioned adjacent thereto,

said knives arranged to sever window patches of a preselected length from the web of patch material while said web is engaged to said vacuum roll.

3. Apparatus for applying patches to envelope blanks as set forth in claim 1 which includes,

means to remove patches from said vacuum roll in the absence of an overlying envelope. blank.

4. Apparatus for applying patches to envelope blanks as set forth in claim 3 in which said means to remove said window patches include,

a second vacuum roll positioned beneath said first vacuum roll and adjacent thereto, said second vacuum roll having ports thereon,

said second vacuum roll arranged to remove window patches from said first vacuum roll in the absence of an overlying envelope blank.

5. Apparatus for applying patches to envelope blanks as set forth in claim 4 which includes,

a transfer roll positioned adjacent to said first vacuum roll, said transfer roll arranged to remove envelope blanks with window patches adhesively secured thereto from said first vacuum roll,

said first and second vacuum rolls and said transfer roll having a peripheral surface of a self lubricating polymeric material.

6. Apparatus for applying patches to envelope blanks comprising,

means to apply adhesive to selected portions of one surface of a web of patch material,

a vacuum roll having a plurality of vacuum ports in the peripheral surface thereof arranged to engage the web of patch material with adhesive on one surface thereof,

means to sever successive window patches of a preselected length from said web while said web is engaged to the surface of said vacuum roll,

means to position envelope blanks with cut out win dow portions in overlying relation with a severed window patch while said window patch is engaged to the surface of said vacuum roll,

means to engage said envelope blank to said vacuum roll and adhesively secure said window patch thereto while said envelope blank is engaged to the surface of said vacuum roll,

a second vacuum roll positioned beneath said first vacuum roll and adjacent thereto, said second vacuum roll having ports thereon,

said second vacuum roll arranged to remove window patches from said first vacuum roll in the absence of an overlying envelope blank, and

a transfer roll positioned adjacent to said first vacuum roll, said transfer roll arranged to remove envelope blanks with window patches adhesively secured thereto from said first vacuum roll. 

1. Apparatus for applying patches to envelope blanks comprising, means to apply adhesive to selected portions of one surface of a web of patch material, a vacuum roll having a plurality of vacuum ports in the peripheral surface thereof arranged to engage the web of patch material with adhesive on one surface thereof, means to sever successive window patches of a preselected length from said web while said web is engaged to the surface of said vacuum roll, means to position envelope blanks with cut out window portions in overlying relation with a severed window patch while said window patch is engaged to the surface of said vacuum roll, and means to engage said envelope blank to said vacuum roll and adhesively secure said window patch thereto while said envelope blank is engaged to the surface of said vacuum roll.
 2. Apparatus for applying patches to envelope blanks as set forth in claim 1 in which said means to sever window patches includes, a patch severing knife on said vacuum roll and a rotating knife positioned adjacent thereto, said knives arranged to sever window patches of a preselected length from the web of patch material while said web is engaged to said vacuum roll.
 3. Apparatus for applying patches to envelope blanks as set forth in claim 1 which includes, means to remove patches from said vacuum roll in the absence of an overlying envelope blank.
 4. Apparatus for applying patches to envelope blanks as set forth in claim 3 in which said means to remove said window patches include, a second vacuum roll positioned beneath said first vacuum roll and adjacent thereto, said second vacuum roll having ports thereon, said second vacuum roll arranged to remove window patches from said first vacuum roll in the absence of an overlying envelope blank.
 5. Apparatus for applying patches to envelope blanks as set forth in claim 4 which includes, a transfer roll positioned adjacent to said first vacuum roll, said transfer roll arranged to remove envelope blanks with window patches adhesively secured thereto from said first vacuum roll, said first and second vacuum rolls and said transfer roll having a peripheral surface of a self lubricating polymeric material.
 6. Apparatus for applying patches to envelope blanks comprising, means to apply adhesive to selected portions of one surface of a web of patch material, a vacuum roll having a plurality of vacuum ports in the peripheral surface thereof arranged to engage the web of patch material with adhesive on one surface thereof, means to sever successive window patches of a preselected length from said web while said web is engaged to the surface of said vacuum roll, means to position envelope blanks with cut out window portions in overlying relation with a severed window patch while said window patch is engaged to the surface of said vacuum roll, means to engage said envelope blank to said vacuum roll and adhesively secure said window patch thereto while said envelope blank is engaged to the surface of said vacuum roll, a second vacuum roll positioned beneath said first vacuum roll and adjacent thereto, said second vacuum roll having ports thereon, said second vacuum roll arranged to remove window patches from said first vacuum roll in the absence of an overlying envelope blank, and a transfer roll positioned adjacent to said first vacuum roll, said transfer roll arranged to remove envelope blanks with window patches adhesively secured thereto from said first vacuum roll. 